The tawaf came to a halt on March 21 when the government announced extraordinary measures to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Later on, the authorities also banned congregational prayers in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabvi. Very few people, mainly the workers and the security staff, were allowed in.

Despite the protective measures, the coronavirus pandemic is wreaking the havoc in the Kingdom, forcing the closure of all businesses, transport, and educational institutions.

So far, over 1,500 confirmed cases and eight deaths have been reported in Saudi Arabia.